Predictive Oil Pressure Control for Internal Combustion Engines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for controlling oil pressure in internal combustion engine systems are inadequate in providing precise and dynamic lubrication and cooling, especially in advanced vehicles, leading to inefficiencies and increased operational costs.

Innovation Solution

A method that involves receiving indications of upcoming vehicle operating situations, determining expected changes in engine operation, and adjusting oil pressure in the oil pump to ensure precise lubrication and cooling by predicting future oil pressure needs based on current conditions and route information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If current oil pressure control methods are used, then the system is simple to operate, but the lubrication and cooling precision is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoil pressure control precisionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system receives indications of upcoming vehicle operating situations in advance and determines expected changes in engine operation before they occur. The oil pressure is adjusted proactively based on predicted future needs rather than reacting to current conditions, enabling precise lubrication and cooling alignment with future engine demands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The oil pressure control system transitions from static to dynamic operation by continuously adapting to changing vehicle operating situations. The control unit adjusts oil pressure in real-time based on predicted engine operation changes, route information, and current conditions, enabling precise and flexible lubrication management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If oil pressure is adjusted dynamically, then lubrication and cooling are optimized, but the response time may be delayed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelubrication reliabilityVSAvoidresponse time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by receiving indications of upcoming operating situations and determining expected engine operation changes before they actually occur. This advance preparation ensures that oil pressure adjustments are made in time to align with future engine demands, eliminating delays in lubrication response.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If oil pressure is continuously adjusted, then engine performance is optimized, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengine performanceVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts oil pressure based on actual and predicted engine operating conditions rather than maintaining constant pressure. The control unit continuously adapts oil pressure to match changing vehicle situations, route information, and engine demands, optimizing performance while avoiding unnecessary energy consumption from excessive pressure maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4108889B1Method for controlling oil pressure in an oil pump of an internal combustion engine system
Publication Date: 2024.02.28 VOLVO TRUCK CORP
  • EP4108889B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4108889B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4108889B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The disclosure relates to method (100) for controlling oil pressure in a controllable oil pump of an internal combustion engine (ICE) system (20) comprised with a vehicle (10), the vehicle further arranged in communication with a control unit (90), the method comprising: receiving (S10) an indication of an upcoming vehicle operating situation affecting an operation of the ICE system; determining (S20) an expected change in the operation of the ICE system for the upcoming vehicle operating situation; determining (S30) a current oil pressure of the oil pump; and on the basis of said determined expected change in the operation of the ICE system and the determined current oil pressure of the oil pump, determining (S40) a minimum oil pressure for the oil pump for the upcoming vehicle operating situation.